Packaging Resources Inc.

Sustainability is a key issue in food packaging. Almost 60% of consumers want their packaging to be more sustainable and 40% are willing to pay a little more in the process. (source: Asia Pulp and Paper 2013 survey) The fast food, consumer goods and beverage markets, in particular, have work to do on their sustainable packaging. Sustainability standards are measured in four areas: recyclability, compostability, recycled content, and source production. The US lags behind other countries in its recycling efforts – its recycling rate is 34.5% compared to other countries, and packaging recycling is at about 51%. Current packaging practices such as the use of black plastic and the increase in flexible packaging should be looked at, since these two packaging options are not recyclable. (Source: As You Sow & The National Resource Defense Council, Waste and Opportunity 2015) The fast food industry especially is a big user of plastic food packaging. The truth remains that the majority of fast food packaging will end up in a landfill. The industry is not doing much to solve this problem. Pressure is on to